Business review

Managing headcount is tricky business. While burgeoning staff costs are always under the scanner, recruiters are equally challenged when it comes to filling certain positions which require specialized skills and experience. For an entrepreneur, who personally handles the human resource function, this problem is worse, as it just adds on to the never ending list of responsibilities. So, how does one keep staff costs under control, yet ensure that it doesn’t lead to a shortage of manpower in key positions? Hiring part-time senior workers is a very workable solution for many. Have you given it a thought?

The benefits of using temporary help are not unknown. You might have recruited summer interns, used contract workers or asked a recruitment agency for “temp” staff. While this might work well for “low impact” jobs, which require less prior experience and expertise, what do you do when the need is for people who possess both attributes in abundance? Part-time senior workers bring a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, since they’ve already been there, done that. And because they’re not looking to build a career, you don’t have to worry about headcount in the long run.

There are lots of other advantages to hiring part-time senior workers. Studies have shown that older people have a strong sense of responsibility – so you don’t have to monitor their activities. Contrary to popular opinion, there is lower absenteeism and greater punctuality among the older folk. Add to that their superior judgment and better work ethic, and you’ll find that part-time senior workers can be quite an asset.

If you take a few simple measures when signing up part-time senior workers, you will stand to gain a loyal workforce, which is as eager to please as the rookie recruit.

Allow the older people flexible and shorter working hours. While their spirits may still be willing, alas the flesh is not, and it’s in everyone’s best interests to respect that. Also, assign tasks that don’t go beyond a few weeks to part-time senior workers, since they may not be in a position to commit for a longer period. Make sure the work area is comfortable; if you can provide a place where they can rest awhile, you’ll be rocketing up the popularity charts in no time!

Also remember that your part-time senior workers aren’t in it for the money – they quit the rat race a long time ago. What they need are words of appreciation and to know that you believe in their abilities. Older people are known to pick up new skills and technologies quite easily; use that to your advantage.

Of course, your company will also benefit from the other advantages of employing a part-time workforce – including being exempt from certain workplace laws. On the flip side though, you need to watch out for any conflict between the practice of hiring part-time senior workers and an early retirement or retrenchment policy that your company may follow. It’s best to seek legal advice on this one. And if you need help locating prospective candidates, companies like CareerBuilder, can do it for you. That being said, hiring part-time senior workers can really be a win-win situation for all concerned. Truly, in this case, old is gold!

Hi, I'm Akhil Shahani, a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed. If you like to work smart, check out http://www.SmartEntrepreneur.net . It's full of articles and resources to help you start and grow your business successfully. Please visit us & download our special "Freebie of The Month" at
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Part-time Senior Workers: Older and Wiser